"When I was your age ..." is a quote you've
probably been haunted with thousands of times. "We used to have to walk
5-miles in foot-deep snow just to get to school."
Thanks for the memories, gramps. But we're not talking about
the bad old days in this piece. What we're getting at are the hundreds -- if
not thousands -- of homeowners who own a slice of history. An old home. One you
want to restore. And you want to keep the original parts as close to the unique
nature as you can when bringing your windows in a heritage house in Las Vegas
up-to-speed.
We're getting at restoring a sash window.
Step One
These old fellows opened and closed using weights. So,
first, find the knockout panel on the window. Obviously, they're on the side of
the frame. Are you without this knockout panel? The answer is simple: score one
with a small, hand held jigsaw.
Step Two
Gotta yank out the trim. Be careful, now. Don't want to
destroy them or that will defeat the purpose. Grab a utility knife and score
the natural edges. See any screws? Gently remove them. Everything being
exposed, it's time to take-out the old sashes. You'll want to begin with the
bottom one.
Step Three
Most likely, the frame is a skosh bigger. Take out your tape
measure and a square to make sure everything's copacetic. Have some shims in
the bullpen just to ensure the whole schmear is level.
Step Four
Old windows have a way of attracting a lot of junk. Stuff
like old screws, paint, glazing and caulk. Clean-up the act with a light
sanding. Thick crap might require some environmentally-safe stripper. Not
necessarily that kind. But, why not, go to the Strip for a nice lady and
seek-out a dancer who's into renovation.
Seriously though, we're talking gunk remover.
A word of caution: The old paint may have lead in it. Take
all necessary precautions, O.K.?
Now that the hired stripper has done her job, caulk-up the
holes, let it dry, enjoy the dance then resand around the area.
Step Five
Pay the stripper, send her on her way and check to see that
the panes are in top shape. If they are, time to move on.
Step Six
Make things all pretty-like. Paint or stain should do the
trick. Brush it on the interior sash. Now put the new sash rope through the
hole and nail it into position. We recommend good ol' cotton because synthetic
twines stretch over time.
Sometime you'll have to replace the weights and pulleys. Try
to use stainless steel stuff. They'll last practically forever. Nothing wrong?
Lube things-up with some WD-40.
Lastly
As you reattach the stops, use Cinderella nails -- ones that
are just long enough to penetrate the materials. Thin nails, too. Wouldn't hurt
to drill small pilot hole to keep the wood from splitting. Be conservative. No
need to plop-in a billion nails.
Time to throw the engine in reverse. That's why it's good to
remember how you started so you can reassemble the whole schmear, only
backwards. Tip: Top sash and the ropes to begin with, then attach the weights.
Give it a test-run to see it's functionality. Finish by
fastening the parting stops, the bottom sash and the interior stops. Attach the
trim. That's it. Break-time as you only have a dozen-or-so other windows to go.
Maybe take in a show on the main drag and give the woman a big tip who helped
you with the project.
